AJK observes World Tuberculosis Day with resolve to be alerted to avert threats of the disease

Like rest of the world, World Tuberculosis Day was also observed in Azad Jammu Kashmir on Tuesday to raise awareness among the masses about adopting preventive measures to avert threats to life from this life-threatening disease famously known TB, APP AJK Correspondent reports quoting the state authorities on Tuesday

MIRPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Mar, 2026) Like rest of the world, World Tuberculosis Day was also observed in Azad Jammu Kashmir on Tuesday to raise awareness among the masses about adopting preventive measures to avert threats to life from this life-threatening disease famously known TB, APP AJK Correspondent reports quoting the state authorities on Tuesday.

Marking the World Tuberculosis Day, the District Health Office Mirpur, while observing the international day, reaffirmed its commitment to continue effective, coordinated, and evidence-based efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB). The purpose of this day is to raise public awareness about TB and to highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and complete treatment.

District Health Officer Mirpur, Dr. Fida Hussain Raja, in an exclusive interview with APP on this occasion here Tuesday. stated that TB remains a major infectious disease worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 10 million people fall ill with TB each year, and hundreds of thousands lose their lives due to this disease.

He further stated that Pakistan is among the countries with a high burden of TB. According to global estimates, approximately 600,000 to 700,000 people develop TB annually in the country. A significant number of these cases remain undiagnosed in time, which contributes to the continued spread of the disease.

Dr. Fida emphasized that TB is a preventable and curable disease, provided it is diagnosed early and patients complete their full course of treatment.

TB is an airborne disease that spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

Elaborating, Dr. Fida Hussain Raja said that, in line with WHO recommendations, timely screening, modern diagnostic facilities, and quality treatment are essential for TB prevention and control. Preventive measures include covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing, ensuring proper ventilation in homes and workplaces, maintaining a balanced diet, BCG vaccination for children, and avoiding stigma and discrimination against TB patients.

Dr. Fida added that the District Health Office Mirpur, in collaboration with the National TB Control Program, is providing free diagnosis, laboratory tests, X-ray facilities, and complete treatment to the public. Community-level awareness campaigns and patient follow-up are also being carried out through lady health workers to ensure effective and complete treatment.

In conclusion, the DHO appealed to the public that if anyone experiences symptoms of TB, they should immediately visit the nearest health facility. If diagnosed, patients must complete the full course of treatment and should not discontinue it midway.

“TB is curable. Through timely diagnosis and complete treatment, we can eliminate this disease. Let us all join hands in the fight against TB and build a healthier society," he concluded.

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